Dusting Off The Shelf: Letter Y

6 Nov

OK… well, this series of posts was meant to be over months ago, however in sort of a whirlwind NerdLush HQ moved. Like to another city. And life got a little whackadoodle. But I’ve finally had a chance to finish up, so let’s check in with the second to last… The Year That Trembled.

Synopsis: Set in 1970, this film follows the characters as the face the draft lottery, as well as the demonstrations at Kent State. It should have given the viewer an understanding of the times and evoked passionate feelings (either in support of or against the war) as the period in American history is interesting and turbulent, however the film comes off more soap opera-like, with clichéd characters.

Why I chose this film: This film made the list because it is in my collection due to having Jonathan Brandis, my adolescent crush!, as the lead. Additionally, it has a good cast including Martin Mull, Fred Willard, and Meredith Monroe, (with Jonathan Woodward who I’ve always adored since his hat-trick in the Whedon shows of the 90s/early 2000s). So it should have been a decent viewing. But it’s sat on my shelf for years because of Brandis’ casting… since his death it has been hard to watch his roles (the same for River Phoenix’s films, btw). When I finally got around to watching it, I was bored. Watched some SeaQuest DSV to make things better (season 3, where Lucas is bit more of hero than just an annoying kid).

Will I watch it again: No.

Why you should watch it too (or run far away!): Don’t waste your time. There are much better films about this time in our history. Even with a love of Brandis… go watch the Family Channel’s Good King Wenceslas.